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Presenting a compelling alternative to the traditional medical approach, The Strengths Model demonstrates an evidence-based approach to helping people with a psychiatric disability identify and achieve meaningful and important life goals. Since the first edition of this classic textbook appeared, the strengths model has matured into a robust vision of mental health services. Both a philosophy of practice and a specific set of tools and methods, the strengths model is designed to facilitate a recovery-oriented partnership between client and practitioner. This completely revised edition charts the evolution of the strengths model, reviews the empirical support behind it, and illustrates the techniques and values that guide its application.

Features new to this edition:- An extensive update of the strengths literature, focusing on recovery as the dominant paradigm in mental health services- Richly drawn case vignettes demonstrating the application of methods- Integration of empirical research and consumers' own experiences- Completely updated strengths assessment and fidelity scales- In-depth discussions and examples guide practitioners from theory to applied practice- Descriptions of how to teach and successfully supervise large-scale implementations of strengths model work

For social workers and other mental health specialists working with clients to move beyond the disabling effects of mental illness to a life filled with meaning, purpose, and identity, this remains the crucial text.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"For those who have read the first edition, there is still enough new material here, with more examples of real case histories, to make this a must read text....Rapp and Goscha have achieved what they set out to do: setting out the values and principles and the theory of the Strengths Model, and describing real practices that implement this approach....I would strongly recommend it for social work practitioners in mental health services, but it should also be considered as mandatory reading for all social workers and every mental health discipline." --British Journal of Social Work

"One of the strengths of this book is its wholehearted embrace of the importance of clinical research...This excellent book has much to offer to psychologists and other mental health professionals. It effectively challenges many of the tenets with which we have traditionally approached persons with psychiatric disabilities, and it provides a practical and alternative model for treating them. It is highly recommended in general, and in particular for those of us who work with persons with psychiatric disabilities."--PsycCRITIQUES

"Case managers and those who supervise them will greatly benefit from this highly readable text. In all, its a book that needs to be read and that advocates methods that must be used."--Psychiatric Services

"There is strength in vulnerability. This book teaches us that. In practical terms, it teaches us the concrete skills necessary for working with clients in real world settings from a strengths orientation. Additionally, empirical evidence is provided demonstrating that the strengths model is not just a good idea, but an effective intervention as well. The application of the strengths model makes a positive difference in the lives of real people in real world settings. Let's use it!" -- From the Foreword by Patricia E. Deegan, PhD, Pat Deegan PhD & Associates

"Rapp and Goscha have enhanced us all by producing a new edition. Although the 'strengths' term has crept into mental health jargon, mental health professionals continue to have difficulty understanding what it means to align oneself with the person's strengths and to find strengths in the natural environment. The third edition of the book is even richer than the second edition in bringing these concepts to life, and it should be standard fare for all who do this work. Strengths case management is a practical and caring approach that we can all use." -- Robert E. Drake, MD, PhD, Andrew Thomson Professor of Psychiatry, Dartmouth Medical School

"This book, like the previous two editions, is essential reading for anyone wanting to get a clear and compelling picture of a strengths-based approach to practice or, more specifically here, the strengths model of case management with people with psychiatric disabilities. Richly fortified with examples of actual practice, as well as funded by ample research evidence of the efficacy of some of these practices, a mental health practitioner cannot help but come away from this book feeling empowered and enriched in both ideas and practices." -- Dennis Saleebey, PhD, Emeritus Professor of Social Welfare, University of Kansas

"This book gives us a comprehensive understanding on the essence of the strengths model, both theoretically and practically. Conceptually speaking, Rapp and Goscha highlight the essential components of the strengths model, the theories and principles underlying the models, as well as its linkage with the recovery process of people recovering from mental illness." --China Journal of Social Work

Each one of like to be encouraged! At work and home how often do you hear about the things you have done well, it is often what we have done wrong. Strength based approach is effective. This is a very important approach with proven results.

Though the book is geared toward social service providers, I found it informative from an occupational therapy/rehabilitation viewpoint. As trends move mental health agencies toward the recovery model, this book provided insight into the strengths based model, assessment, and many points to consider for improving quality of care for mental health consumers. The first few chapters evoked more questions than answers for practice, but the book becomes more practical as you read on. Would recommend this for those interested in learning more about how the recovery model incorporates a strengths-based approach.

This book has some similarities with strengths-based leadership, but this book is geared toward the approach to mental health service providers while strengths-based leadership is focused on personal assets and organizational leadership from a business administration/management perspective.